Christmas
Step into the festive spirit with English Heritage!
If you've ever wondered what people ate for Christmas dinner in the past, what the 12 days of Christmas were, or what the Romans did in December, you've come to the right place to find out!
Plus, you can try some tasty treats and have a go at our crafty Christmas things to make and do.
Christmas with the Courtaulds
It’s 1942 and the Second World War is on, but millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld are still entertaining their guests with Christmas dinner at Eltham Palace and Gardens in Greenwich, London.
Tap or click below to find out what they are having for their festive feast!
Find out moreTales of Christmas past...
Discover Christmases through history! Find out about a Pagan Roman festival that inspired Christian Christmas traditions, and why we bring plants and trees inside to decorate. Explore how the Tudors celebrated 12 whole days of Christmas, find out how Henry VIII spent the season, and test your knowledge with our fun festive quiz!
Crafts!
Get into the seasonal spirit with our selection box of Christmas things to make and do! Put on a show with our easy Victorian puppet theatre download, create your own crackers, colour your way into Christmas, and much more!
A merry, munchy, Christmas
Many people enjoy extra special foods and treats at Christmas today, but what did people eat in the past? Click below to tuck into historical Christmas dinners, discover the story of gingerbread, find out what the Normans ate at Christmas time, and try our tasty Second World War Christmas pudding recipe.
Games!
Challenge your family and friends to a fun, history-inspired game: can you be the first to take a castle in Siege at Carlisle Castle!, defeat the Spanish Armada in Tudor Battleships or complete the 12 Labours of Hercules? Download a game now and find out who will be victorious!
Christmas at English Heritage
Experience Christmas at an English Heritage site this year!
Discover the magical world of Narnia at Wrest Park, fill your weekend with joy at our Festive Fun events, and meet Father Christmas in person this December.
Find out more